Panel discussion „Role of Women in Just Transition of the Energy Sector“ on Energy Summit 2022 in Neum gathered the most prominent women in the energy sector and environmental protection. They jointly underlined inadequate representation of women in leading positions in the sector that has been perceived as a predominantly male sector.

In her introductory address, Steliana Nedera, UNDP Resident Representative in BiH, emphasized the importance of gender equality in the energy sector and the inclusion of women as beneficiaries and leaders in all activities and decision-making. During the address, Nedera emphasized the importance of joint work of all actors on creating equal opportunities and opportunities for women and men, which, in line with its Strategic Plan, UNDP is implementing in its work with all partners.

Maša Njegovan, an energy and climate changes consultant, said that representation of women in the energy sector is 20 percent and in management positions only 14 percent globally, while these numbers are even smaller for BiH. Among the total number of employees in the energy sector in BiH, there is 17 percent of women, while only 6 percent are in top management positions. As she pointed out, women are being less represented in the STEM sector, which needs to be continuously addressed in the future.

„ Not a single country cannot reach its full economic and social potential unless women are included in leading positions, “said Courtney Chubb, USAID BiH director, stressing that USAID includes gender equality principles in its projects. „I am happy to announce that USAID will support establishing of association of women in the energy sector that will additionally empower these women and provide them with an opportunity to improve the energy sector together, “concluded Chubb.

Panelists Arnesa Borčak (UNDP), Branka Knežević (MoFTER BiH), Ivana Boro Tomić (Regulatory Commission for Energy in FBiH), Joan Walley, UK expert, Leonida Hadžimuratović, (CETEOR) and Marija Đogić, (EP HZHB) jointly concluded how women in all sectors are being underrepresented, but it is more visible in the energy sector, typically perceived as a male sector.

Energy Summit 2022 in BiH is jointly organized by The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Energy Policy Activity (USAID EPA), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Government and the British Embassy Sarajevo. The Energy Summit in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2022 is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations, State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Regulatory Commission for Energy in Republika Srpska, and Regulatory Commission for Energy in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.